Much of our work in recent years has focused on the importance of social factors towards the successful application of technology and infrastructure in developing countries. Based on a broad understanding of rural and urban energy needs, power utility operations, and the impact of infrastructure development on poverty reduction, we believe that Gamos has championed innovative methodologies to investigate the social factors that constrain technology transfer and infrastructure development. Specific project areas have included: Energy, Water, SMEs, Gender, Livelihoods, Privatisation, and Poverty.

We have also developed short courses in infrastructure and technology factors such as: - Renewable energy for development, Environmental risk assessment, Wind energy, Solar energy and Hand pumps.

From a background in renewable energy technology and development, Gamos have recognised the importance of social factors toward the successful application of technology in solving problems. Most of our work in recent years has concentrated on the socio-economic aspects of the application of technology in developing countries. We have applied expertise acquired and developed social monitoring and social evaluation techniques to various technologies including renewable energy, water and information and communication technologies (ICTs).

Energy

From the very beginning Gamos has had a strong focus on renewable energy technology and development. This has now grown into other parts of the energy sector, including energy efficient housing and the impact of the withdrawal of modern energy on the urban poor. Into the energy sector Gamos brings socio-economic and behavioural tools from other sectors. For example when assessing the impact of small scale wind generators in Inner Mongolia the Gamos team used a combination of semi-structure interviews and participatory exercises to explore issues associated with affordability, awareness and priority.

Water

Gamos work in the water sector includes the research and production of an advocacy document arguing the case for participation of the poor in the development of urban water services. Targeted at private companies engaged in the international water sector, the document points out commercial benefits of participation of the poor throughout various stages of the project cycle. It has been well received by commercial companies and influenced their strategies. View report

On rural water provision, Gamos have published a series of policy advice documents based on field research into exit strategies when the operation and maintenance of water points passes from external agencies to local communities. The research project undertook a post-project impact evaluation comparing and contrasting the approaches of 3 NGOs which had installed boreholes with hand pumps in Africa. Through an innovative analysis of socio-economic indicators (using non-parametric statistics), the project identified those factors that influence long terms sustainability. View report